Rydal Penrhos’ Combined Cadet Force got the chance to enhance their STEM knowledge during a special excursion off-campus.

A Rydal Penrhos extra-curricular opportunity that continues to go from strength to strength is the Combined Cadet Force initiative, which has proven most popular for pupils from Year 8 onwards.

The recently introduced provision builds key life skills that pupils – or cadets – can take with them throughout education and later life and aims to promote responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a sense of service to the community.

This happens through weekly sessions on-site and special excursions organised by the school’s staff team, which only increases the fantastic experiences offered to CCF cadets throughout the academic year.

No fewer than 15 pupils and two staff visited a special STEM North Day on Saturday 9 October, which was organised and run by the Royal Engineers at Altcar Training Camp.

This event is designed to introduce cadets to a host of STEM activities that are related to aspects of school life and beyond. The cadets were put into one group and taken around 12 different stands by an Army guide.

They took part in a huge range of activities from model building with the Infantry to working on key areas such as teamwork and time management skills.

There were also weapons demonstrations from the Royal Artillery, exploring the effects of trajectory and different forces, bomb disposal and its variety of technical and highly skill-based learning.

Another popular exhibition was the Army motorsports team that taught cadets about the effects of speed. Army dog handlers were also on hand and there was a thought-provoking demonstration on the importance of effective communication.

The double-decker gaming bus was packed full of logic and construction games, remote-controlled vehicles and how they are operated from a distance. Cadets also gathered knowledge on how to operate heavy machinery and an inflatable assault course just for good fun!

Sgt Cpt Alun Brown, who is also the Head of Key Stage 5 at Rydal Penrhos, said: “The cadets had a great day and really seemed to enjoy the activities that not only challenged them but were delivered in an interesting and engaging manner.

“We hope to attend the STEM North event next year and take even more cadets to such a brilliant day.”

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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.